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Administration

Your birth certificate can be requested at the Department of Vital Statistics at the State Capitol. The telephone number is (701) 328-2360. They can also be reached by email or contact them at Vital Records.

Yes. Door-to-door sales or solicitation is allowed in residential areas pursuant to the Code of Ordinances 5401 5-07-07 and are permitted only between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. and between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., daily.

The City Commission meets every second and fourth Tuesday of the month at 5:15 pm in the Tom Baker Meeting Room of the City County Building at 221 N 5th Street. The Mayor or two commissioners can call for a special meeting at any time.

City commission meetings are televised on Channel 12, Community Access TV and are rerun the following day at noon.

Residents 18 and over must have been a resident of the City of Bismarck for at least nine months prior to the election.

To get on the ballot, candidates must collect 300 signatures from Bismarck residents. Election administrators suggest collecting up to 350 signatures and turning in petitions at least one day before the deadline since some may be eliminated for not being from valid city residents. POST OFFICE BOXES ARE NOT CONSIDERED A VALID ADDRESS.

The City of Bismarck conducts a number of improvement projects every year. Some projects bring city services to new areas of the city. Other projects make repairs in older sections of Bismarck. All of this work is done with the help of Special Assessments.

Special assessments on private property pay for public improvements that benefit that property. Improvements that would bring special assessments fall under four main categories:1) storm sewer,2) sewer and water,3) paving and street lights, and4) sidewalk, curb and gutter.

When the City Engineering Department decides work needs to be done, they create a special assessment district which includes all property the city judges will benefit from the improvement project. The Board of City Commissioners approves each special assessment district. The district is then published in the city’s official newspaper, the Bismarck Tribune, two times over a two-week period.

Property owners have the right to protest the district when the improvements are not health-related, like those involving sewer and water. If it’s not a health-related improvement and 51 percent of the owners in the district protest the work, the project is cancelled.

Once the district is approved, the City Engineering Department takes bids on the project. When the project is completed, the construction costs are assessed against the benefiting property on ratios that depend on the work being done:1) storm sewer –assessed based on the square feet of the lot,2) sewer and water – this work is usually prepaid by the company or person developing new lots,3) paving and street lights – assessed on per-lot basis, and4) sidewalk, curb and gutter – based on the actual amount of sideway, curb and gutter.

Once the assessments are made on properties, they are published in the newspaper twice during a two week period. Property owners have the right to protest before the Special Assessment Commission, a three member board appointed by the City Commissioners. The Special Assessment Commission’s job is to make sure the assessments are spread fairly among properties, not whether the work should be done. If the property owner’s protest is unsuccessful, the owner may appeal that decision to the City Commission.

Special Assessments may be paid in full, or they will be billed to the property owner in installments. The installments will be spread over seven to 15 years, depending on the type of improvement. Notice of the installment due each year is sent to property owners on the property tax notices and the installment is paid along with property taxes through the Burleigh County Auditors Office. Partial payment is now accepted on special assessments or owners may pay off the full balance at the Special Assessments Office, 3rd floor, City/County Building, 221 N. 5th Street.

Bismarck Library - Home

The Library is an easy walk from many downtown locations. Customers will find a full line of coffee products, specialty coffee drinks, teas, smoothies and soft drinks. Light meals, snacks and six flavors of hard ice cream are available. There is also a variety of Pride of Dakota® items for purchase in the shop. For more information: Hotwire Cafe

We have the current Bismarck/Mandan city directory at the Reference Desk for in-house use only. Older Bismarck/Mandan city directories are also available for use within the Library. Call the Reference Desk at (701) 355-1480 for more information.

Printing is available at the Internet/E-mail and word processing stations. The charge for black-and-white printing is 10¢ per side. Color printing is also available from these computers for 50¢ per side. These printing charges apply even if you supply your own paper. You are expected to pay for ALL pages printed.

We have print directories from North and South Dakota, Montana, and Minnesota for use within the Library. Directories from other states are available online. Contact the Reference Desk at (701) 355-1480 for further assistance.

The City Attorney's Office may not provide advice concerning private legal matters that do not involve the City of Bismarck. If you are in need of an attorney, you should contact a private attorney. The Lawyer Referral and Information Service sponsored by the State Bar Association of North Dakota can assist you with names. SBAND

City Ordinance 12-13-19 addresses Parking Consecutively Over Forty-Eight Hours. It is unlawful for anyone to park or leave standing on any public street or highway in the city any vehicle...for a period longer than forty-eight hours consecutively.

It is unlawful for anyone to park or leave standing on any public street or highway in the city any vehicle, boat, snowmobile, bumper pull travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer,pull type camper, pickup camper, motor home, house car, bus, mini motor home, or trailer for a period longer than forty-eight hours consecutively.

Any person violating this section is subject to a fine of Fifteen Dollars ($15.00) per each day of violation. A vehicle, boat, snowmobile, bumper pull travel trailer, fifth wheel trailer, pull type camper, pickup camper, motor home, house car, bus, mini motor home, or trailer left parked or standing on any public street or highway for a consecutive period longer than forty-eight hours shall be considered abandoned for purposes of Section 12-13-23(k).

Combined Communications Center

9-1-1 is the number most people in the United States call to get help in an emergency. They call this number when the police, fire department, or emergency medical services are needed. Your call is routed to the appropriate 9-1-1 Center where specially trained telecommunicators will answer your call.

Based upon the nature of your call, the telecommunicator will dispatch the necessary responders.

The 9-1-1 System makes an important difference in our communities everyday. It is your first source of help in time of crisis and it can mean the difference between life and death. When used properly, 9-1-1 saves seconds and those seconds can save lives.

Enhanced 9-1-1 is a system that selectively routes an emergency call to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) based on the valid address of the caller, and automatically displays the caller’s telephone number, address, and the registered telephone subscriber name.

Until 2004, North Dakota’s PSAPs were only able to receive this information from traditional landline telephones (example: your home or business telephone). Now, all North Dakota PSAPs are capable of receiving similar enhanced information from wireless devices such as cell phones.

Wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 is a system that will route an emergency call to the PSAP based upon the location of the tower handling the emergency call. Phase I of this system provides the 9-1-1 telecommunicator with the telephone number of the caller and the location of the tower handling the call. Phase II of the system provides actual coordinates (latitude / longitude) of the caller’s location that the PSAP uses to dynamically display on an electronic map. The futuristic view of the Wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 system is Phase III that would provide an elevation to account for calls made from within multi-story buildings in urbanized areas.

Wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 services are possible because of technological improvements made by the wireless carriers, traditional telephone companies, and the PSAPs to pass and receive that information. In North Dakota, the actual phone used to make the 9-1-1 call must have a GPS chip that communicates with satellites orbiting the earth to determine the caller’s location. The FCC requires that where Phase II information cannot be determined, the call must be routed to the PSAP with Phase I information.

By a vote of County Electors, each household or business pays a $1 per month fee for 9-1-1 service on each telephone line that appears on their phone bill. There is no per-call charge for calling 9-1-1. However, ambulance services dispatched through 9-1-1 may charge for taking someone to the hospital.

The Burleigh County Commission adopted a resolution in July, 2001 extending the $1 fee requiring that all subscribers to cellular phone service in Burleigh County pay a $1 fee per month to their service provider which is then submitted to Burleigh County. All funds collected for 9-1-1 are forwarded to the County Treasurer.

Bismarck / Burleigh County Combined Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is responsible for answering all 9-1-1 and non-emergency calls. The Combined Communications Center personnel dispatch police, fire, and emergency medical services for the cities and communities of Burleigh County.

The Combined Communications Center has six identical workstations, providing public safety communications services for the:

The garage shall be separated from the residence and its attic area by not less than 1/2-inch gypsum board applied to the garage side. Garages beneath habitable rooms shall be separated from all habitable rooms above by not less than 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board or equivalent

Yes, every dwelling unit shall be provided with heating facilities capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature of 68 degrees at a point 3 feet above the floor and 2 feet from exterior wall in all habitable rooms at the design temperature.

Surface drainage shall be diverted to a storm sewer conveyance or other approved point of collection so as to not create a hazard. Lots shall be graded to drain surface water away from the foundation wall. The grade shall fall a minimum of 6 inches within the first 10’.

Basements and every sleeping room shall have at least one operable emergency and rescue opening. Where emergency escape and rescue openings are provided they shall have a sill height of not more than 44 inches above the floor. A finished basement must have an egress window in each bedroom, 5.7 sq. ft. If there are no bedrooms an egress window still must be provided.

The minimum horizontal area of the window well shall be 9 square feet, with a minimum horizontal projection and width of 36 inches. The window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opening to be fully opened.

Yes. All accessory buildings including sheds must be placed on a concrete slab. Buildings less than 160 sq. ft. are required to be placed on a 4” floating slab. Buildings greater than 160 sq. ft. are required to be placed on a thickened edge floating slab.

Permits are required by State statutes and Local ordinances. Projects not done according to Code can affect your home’s insurability and potential sale. Prospective buyers can check the City’s building records.

It depends on the type of permit. Commercial project review time is 14 to 21 business days, residential new construction review time is 7 to 10 business days. Drainfield permits are 2 to 3 business days. All other permits can be issued within 1 business day.

Community Development - Planning

Colored maps are $10 (46" x 50") and $20 (84" x 84"). These maps include zoning, subdivision names, streets,and lots/blocks. They are hanging on our walls for reference. A special custom map can be created through the GIS department, at an hourly rate.

Emergency Management

Outdoor warning sirens are one method used to alert citizens of a current or potential emergency. To provide a "tornado warning" is a typical use, but outdoor warning sirens may be used for other emergencies as well.

When the sirens sound, go indoors, seek shelter, and monitor local media and your all hazards NOAA Weather Radio if you have one.

Regarding TornadoesThe Outdoor Warning Sirens will be sounded when:- A confirmed funnel has been spotted within a 10 mile approach of the community, OR- A confirmed tornado has been spotted within a 10 mile approach of the community, OR- The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for eastern Morton and southwest Burleigh Counties to include the Cities of Mandan and Bismarck and/or Lincoln.

Confirmation of a funnel cloud or tornado may occur through the National Weather Service, trained Law Enforcement Officers, or trained Weather Spotters. Remember, a Tornado Warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. A Tornado Watch means that conditions are favorable for the formation of a tornado. The Outdoor Warning Sirens will not be sounded for a Watch.

There is NO "All-Clear" sounded by the outdoor warning sirens. The all-clear will be made over NOAA Weather Radio, local radio stations, and cable TV.

Note: The outdoor warning sirens are tested on the last Friday of each month at 9:30 am.

Tornado shelters are not offered in our community. Citizens are highly encouraged to plan ahead for severe weather. For information regarding what to do when the sirens sound, please review our Alert and Warning Systems Brochure.

The best place is in the center of the basement under a sturdy workbench or under the stairway. If you do not have a basement, go to the lowest level of a sturdy building and put as many walls between you and the outside as possible and avoid areas with exterior windows and doors. In a school or other large building, go to the lowest level and into a bathroom or a hallway near the center of the building. Stay away from large wide open rooms like an auditorium or gymnasium!

All citizens need to plan ahead to identify where they will shelter during a tornado watch and warning. The city of Bismarck does not own or operate emergency tornado shelters. Those who live in mobile homes or other vulnerable structures should discuss sheltering possibilities with nearby friends, neighbors, relatives, etc. The best time to relocate to the shelter area is during a tornado watch. Do not purposely wait until a tornado warning is issued. Consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio to get your tornado watches and warnings as soon as possible. Even if you should happen to be sleeping, you can get the alert.

To add additional protection while you are inside, consider purchasing a NOAA Weather Radio (all hazards). We recommend the purchase of a radio with the SAME feature (Specific Area Message Encoding) which means the receiver is capable of turning itself on from a silent mode when the signal for your area is sent out. These radios can be programmed for a specific county (or counties) so you do not receive alerts from areas far away. You should also choose a model that provides you with the option of selecting which alerts you want to receive and which alerts you prefer to deactivate.

The siren system was designed as a warning device to people that are outside of their homes, away from radio or television, which may be broadcasting warnings. The system was never designed to be a warning device for people inside their homes. Some people will be able to hear the siren indoors, depending on how close the indoor location is to the nearest siren and other factors such as soundproofing, indoor noises, and wind conditions.

Engineering - Roadway Lighting

Generally, when half of the lots in a new residential subdivision have buildings constructed, the City will consider installing roadway lights. The costs associated with roadway lights are typically assessed to the benefiting lots in the neighborhood.

To inquire about roadway lights in your neighborhood, contact the Engineering Department at (701) 355-1505.

When lights are installed, every effort is made to minimize conflicts with future driveway locations, while ensuring that the area receives a sufficient amount of light. If the property owner has a conflict with the location of an existing light, the Engineering Department will consider moving the light. The relocation would be at the property owner’s expense.

Engineering - Sidewalks & Driveways

Usually the home builder will either hire an approved contractor to install the sidewalk and driveway apron and the costs will be added into the price of the house, or the home builder will petition the Engineering Department to have it installed by a contractor hired by the City and the costs will be assessed to the property.

It depends. If the driveway work is in the street right-of-way, and you want the City to build and assess the cost to your property, then the property owner must sign a concrete petition at the Engineering Department. If you want to hire a city-approved contractor and pay the contractor directly instead of having the cost assessed to property, the contractor must obtain a concrete permit. If the work to be done is only between the sidewalk and your garage, then you do not need a permit or a petition.

No. Any work in the street right-of-way must be done by a concrete contractor who is approved by the City of Bismarck. The owner has the option to hire an approved concrete contractor and pay for the work up front or have it repaired by a concrete contractor hired by the City and have the costs assessed to his property. In some instances, such as a tripping hazard, the sidewalk may not need to be replaced but can be lifted or mud-jacked by an approved contractor. The property owner is responsible for any injuries that may occur due to the condition of his sidewalk.

If you have a sidewalk you feel is hazardous, please contact the Engineering Department at (701) 355-1505

Yes, by city ordinance, all improved residential and commercial lots shall contain a sidewalk a minimum of 4.5 feet to 6 feet in width, depending on adjacent zoning regulations. The City is contacting a number of owners each year to install sidewalks in areas currently missing some sidewalks.

Driveways may be up to 36' wide in residential areas and 40' wide in commercial areas, not including the flares (the flares are the wider, angled part of the driveway that connects to the street). If you are building on a corner lot or near an intersection, you should check with the Engineering Department before your approved contractor begins construction to determine the location of non-access lines. Driveways are not permitted in areas where there is a non-access line. Non-access lines are established near intersections to prevent traffic that is turning in or out of the driveway from conflicting with traffic that may be backed up at the intersection.

Environmental Health

The Code of Ordinances of the City of Bismarck requires property owners to mow tall grasses and weeds on their property by June 1, July 15 and, if necessary, September 1 of each year or if grass and/or weeds exceed 8” in height. Our office must provide the property owner a seven day notification period to control tall grass and weeds on their property. To report a property, please contact: Anton Sattler, Administrator. Please remember to provide an address of the property.

The Code of Ordinances of the City of Bismarck governing weed control does not address the control of dandelions. The ordinance only provides for control of weeds that are listed on the "State Noxious Weed List". Read on

The swarm of insects must be accessible for successful control. A can of wasp and hornet spray can be purchased from your local retail outlet to abate or eradicate the insects. Follow the directions for use indicated on the label.

Any person who applies pesticides for hire in the City of Bismarck must be a certified applicator or for general use pesticides, working under the direct supervision of a certified applicator. In addition, a certified applicator offering pesticide application services in the City of Bismarck must have a permit issued by the City Health Officer. If you have any questions, please contact: Anton Sattler, Administrator. Read on

Yes, the Code of Ordinance 3-03-02.10 allows homeowners to have more than three dogs or cats, six months of age or older. The city ordinance does not regulate pets under six months of age. The homeowner must submit a letter of application for a "Special Pet License" to our department. The letter must indicate the number of animals, their names, ages and a copy of their immunization records. Please include your telephone number so we can contact you for an inspection. An inspection is necessary to determine if the applicant meets the sanitary requirements of the ordinance. A fee of $20 must be enclosed with the letter of application. If payment is by check, please make it payable to the City of Bismarck. Letter of application and fee can be mailed to: Environmental Health Division, Fire Department, 1020 E Central Ave, Bismarck ND 58501-1936. Read on

The zoning ordinance requires that vehicles stored on private property have a current license and are in operating condition. If you have a question or would like to report an abandoned vehicle, please contact: Anton Sattler, Administrator. Please remember to include an address of the property. Read on

The zoning ordinance of the City of Bismarck does not permit the storage of junk, appliances, car parts, plumbing materials, etc. outdoors on private property. If you have a question or would like to report a property, please contact: Anton Sattler, Administrator. Please remember to include an address. Read on

Yes, the Code of Ordinance of the City of Bismarck requires owners of animals to take care of their pets and maintain their property in a clean condition. If you have a question or would like to report a property, please contact: Anton Sattler, Administrator. Please remember to include an address in your message. Read on

Our department is no longer collecting dead birds for West Nile Virus surveillance since a bird positive for the West Nile Virus has been reported in Burleigh County. If you have any questions, please contact:Anton Sattler, Administrator

The North Dakota Department of Health administers guidelines and regulations involving the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. In many instances, a "Notification of Demolition or Renovation" form must be completed. Information and forms are available from their website at North Dakota Department of Health. Read on

Finance - Property Assessment

Finding the Market Value or True and Full Value of residential property involves determining the price most people would pay for it in its present condition. The City Assessing Division reviews sales of homes in Bismarck to determine market valuation. Each year every property value is reviewed and adjusted to reflect market changes. In addition to market changes, values also change as a result of remodeling, additions, or changes in condition. On site inspections of properties that have sold and properties that have undergone changes assist our appraisers in determining values for each taxable parcel in Bismarck. This is an ongoing process of gathering and reviewing information, measuring and listing new construction, and analyzing sales to provide accurate and current values annually. All valuations are determined as of February 1st of each year; this is called the Assessment Date.

The Assessed Value refers to a percentage of the assessor's market value, according to a state prescribed formula. In North Dakota, the assessed value is 50% of the market value.

The Taxable Value is determined by multiplying the assessed value by 9% for residential and 10% for all other property classes.

The City of Bismarck Assessing Division employs certified assessment appraisers who are trained according to state law. Appraisers are trained to look for specific amenities such as style, size, location, condition, and other factors that affect value. Statistical analysis of current sales in your neighborhood as well as review of cost models are used by appraisers to estimate market values.

At times, the City of Bismarck also employs data collection personnel who are trained to inspect, measure, and list the property features that appraisal personnel will analyze in determining value.

There are several factors that can affect property taxes. The most common factors are changes in the market value and changes in the mill levy. Market value changes, up or down, can be a result of changing market trends, condition of the property, or remodeling and/or additions to the property.

Mill levy changes are determined by each political subdivision (city, county, school, park) setting their annual budgets. Those total figures are then divided between taxpayers based on value and type of property owned. If your property is currently valued at or near market value, you should expect little or no change in the True and Full Value of your home. However, the property taxes you pay may change if the mill levy changes as determined by the city, county, school or park board.

All valuations are determined as of February 1st of each year; this is called the Assessment Date. The tax statement you receive each year in December reflects value placed on your property the previous February 1st. This statement in December will reflect any tax changes that resulted from a market value change or mill levy change.

The mill levy is the tax rate that is applied to the taxable value of your property. A mill is 1/10 of $.01 or $.001 (one thousandth). A mill levy is the number of dollars a taxpayer must pay for every $1,000 of taxable value. The Burleigh County Auditor determines the mill levy annually based on city, county, school, and park budgets. Mill levy changes are determined in November of each year. Info on how taxes and mill levies are established

Finance - Special Assessments

On an average, Residential Streets are done every 15 to 20 years, Collector Streets like Divide Avenue and Rosser Avenue, every 7 to 10 years and Arterial Streets like 7th Street and 9th Street, 5 to 7 years. City Engineering staff make visual evaluations of the streets to help determine which streets are in a deteriorated condition and need to be repaired.

Completion of this work would be much more costly if the general or prime contractor was not allowed some flexibility to get the various types of work done. The general contractor has numerous subcontractors like construction signing, concrete slabjacking (lifting) or replacement, joint sealing, asphalt milling, trucking companies, chip sealing. The typical process is described below:

• City marks curb for lifting or replacement.• Contractor or subcontractor install No Parking signs a minimum of 24 hours before construction starts. No Parking signs may be removed or left in place for any of the subsequent construction activities.• Slabjacking (lifting) subcontractor moves in and lifts marked curbs and driveways.• Concrete subcontractor removes and replaces marked concrete curb and driveway and replaces storm inlet castings as required. Intersection ramps and street valley gutter crossings replacements are coordinated with the paving crew and may be replaced either at this stage or later. Detours may be needed for valley gutters. Homeowner may request more work be done at same time such as a driveway widening.• Paving contractor either places gravel or asphalt patches at the front of the curb replacement sites. After new concrete cures for at least 4 to 7 days, black dirt is placed behind the curb. Seeding and mulching usually take place much later in the process when many sites can be done at once.• City marks streets for patching or milling (grinding off about 1 to 2 inches of old asphalt).• Paving contractor completes the asphalt patching and crack seals open joints.• Paving contractor places thin leveling course on patched or non-milled streets where dips, humps or other pavement irregularities are pronounced.• Paving contractor mills pavements, sweeps loose material, and may come back later to remove pavement around manholes or valve box covers.• Paving contractor adjusts tops of manhole and valve box castings to match the new pavement surface.• Paving contractor places new pavement on milled streets.• Paving contractor or subcontractor places seal oil and chips on pavements when temperatures are expected to be 70° F or warmer for several consecutive days. • Chip seal is allowed about one week of cure time before loose chips are swept off street.

Coordinating all these different types of construction activities would be difficult to maintain workforce efficiencies. Scheduling and moving each specialized work crew from one project to another can be impacted by unforeseen circumstances like, weather, poor soil conditions or added work. Delays related to weather or construction difficulties may cause the time interval between any of these tasks to be considerable.

The supportive subgrade soils beneath the pavement have become soft as a result of repeatedly being saturated over a period of time. There is significant evidence of pavement failure even in areas where no potholes currently exist. The Public Works Department has done some temporary patching to insure that the streets are usable and safe, but these surface patches do not address the wet subgrade conditions underneath the asphalt pavement. In these areas of this project we plan to install perforated pipe underdrains along the curb and construct a drainable aggregate subbase for the roadway. Both of these will help to channel the underground water away from underneath the pavement, providing a firmer foundation for the asphalt pavement.

The city ordinance requires a minimum of 24 hours’ notification prior to beginning work. The contractor must document daily which streets are signed and during what time period. If a vehicle is parked after the 24 hour time period is up, the police can be notified to help us find the owner to move the vehicle or to arrange towing.

Street resurfacing assessments are spread over 7 years. Street lighting, sidewalk, curb and gutter assessments are spread over 10 years. Reconstructed and new pavement assessments are spread over 15 years. Water mains, sanitary sewer mains, and storm water assessments are also spread over 15 years. In districts where there are a large number of properties incurring an assessment of $200 or less, the assessment will be collected in one year rather than spread over multiple years.

Yes, you may pay off your special assessments in full at any time. Please note that payments in full must be received by the City prior to October 30th to prevent a special assessment installment from appearing on your annual tax statement. Partial payments are also accepted on special assessment balances.

The interest rate is based on the rate the City receives when we sell bonds. This varies with every bond issue. Interest would start accruing on the unpaid principal balance after the first installment is due.

There is a public bidding process that determines which contractor is awarded each project. The general steps of that process are as follow: create the project, advertise, receive bids, review bids and award bid to the lowest qualified bidder.

You should either talk to the contractor’s representative (Foreman) in the field or the project manager (Bismarck Engineering) involved in that project. The contractor’s laborer is usually not involved in the daily planning activities so they would only be able to give you the name of the Foreman or Project Manager that you would need to talk to.

Working hours are not specified on the plans. The contractor may work seven days a week if desired, but construction activities cannot begin prior to 7:00 AM or continue past 11:00 PM, due to a noise curfew. Under special circumstances, this rule may be waived if prior approval is received.

The small rocks (aggregate) on the pavement are the wearing surface which protects the seal oil. The main reason for the aggregate placement is to protect the new pavement from wearing due to traffic. The rocks wear instead of the new pavement surface. Another reason is to prevent oxidation of the asphalt pavement. Without the seal coat, the asphalt would get brittle and create voids and surface failures. A third reason is to provide skid resistance. Smooth surfaces without the rocks may get very slippery in wet or icy conditions.

You should contact the City of Bismarck’s Engineering Department (701) 355-1505 concerning the problem, with your name, address, location of incident and extent of the damage. If deemed the contractor's responsibility, the City will then notify the contractor of the situation and the contractor will then contact you to resolve the problem.

Yes, this widening would then be scheduled along with the other work being done in that area. A form (petition) is required to be filled out prior to any work being done. Call the City of Bismarck’s Engineering Department (701) 355-1505 to get information on the proper procedure to follow or go to Engineering Department or click on the following link: Engineering Department

Sodding requires more watering to assure growth and to keep it alive. If the contractor had to water the sod until the growth was established, the price for that sod would be very high relative to the seeding costs. Typically 500 or more concrete repairs are completed each year under a project like this. Most residents would water the sod in lieu of the contractor, but since some don’t, we seed. The resident can do the sodding after the concrete section is backfilled. The project manager in the field will keep track of all the self sodded areas, so the resident will not get charged for that work.

The cost of a day care inspection is $35. It usually takes a week to ten days notice for an inspection to take place. For a list of items we look for during an inspection please view the following page. Read on

Yes. All charcoal grills, chimineas, fire pits, and patio heaters are allowed within the city limits. Chimineas and fire pits must be placed at least 15 feet from any combustibles, have a fire extinguisher or water hose available at all times, do not place on wood decks, do not use on enclosed patio decks, do not burn garbage, leaves, rubbish, or rotten wood that will smoke, and do not use under overhangs. Fire pits and chimineas must have a spark arrestor screen while being used to control sparks and embers. While operating chimineas or fire pits, if the smoke or odor emission becomes offensive or objectionable, you will be required to extinguish the fire. IFC 307.1.1(City Ordinance 8-01-06)Read on

We recommend that if you use natural gas or propane in your home that you install a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon Monoxide is an invisible, colorless, tasteless gas that kills and injures thousands each year.

The symptoms can vary from person to person and depend on how much you were exposed to. Mild exposures can cause slight headaches, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, or flu-like symptoms. More severe exposures can cause severe throbbing headaches, drowsiness, confusion, and fast heart rate. Extreme exposures can cause unconsciousness, convulsions and death. Read on

If the CO detector is sounding intermittently, check the detector for low batteries even if it is plugged into the wall. If it continues to sound even after you have changed the batteries, call the fire department for assistance. If the CO detector is alarming with a constant beep, everyone in the house should immediately move to a fresh air location outside and call the fire department. Leave your windows and doors closed so that the fire department can survey the home using air monitoring equipment to determine the problem. If no problem is found and your CO detector is older than 6 years, you may have a malfunctioning detector and it will need to be replaced.

At a minimum you need to place a smoke detector in each bedroom and hallway outside the sleeping area. In addition, a detector is required on each level of your home. It is recommended that you change your batteries in your smoke detectors when you change your clocks - twice a year. While changing batteries, also vacuum your detector to prevent dust build-up. You should check your detectors with the test button each month to make sure they alarm properly. Smoke detectors need to be replaced every ten years or sooner if they quit working. The materials used in making the detector lose their effectiveness over time causing the detector to eventually fail.

Yes, the Fire Department gives tours. The best times are 9:00 am and 1:00 pm. The tour takes about 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the age group. Tours are scheduled based on the availability of the fire company. Night tours are also available if time permits.

We will talk to children and adults regarding any type of fire safety, teach "Stop, Drop and Roll", show what a firefighter looks like in full bunker gear, and show the trucks and sirens.

A person may not stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic in compliance with law or the direction of a police officer or traffic-control device, within ten feet of a fire hydrant or a point on the curb from a line drawn perpendicular to the fire hydrant. Parking is also restricted within twenty feet of the driveway entrance to any fire station and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet of said entrance when properly signposted.

A Knox box is a high-security lock box that only the fire department has a key. It allows us quick access to keys for the building in the event of an emergency. There are various sizes and types of Knox boxes and it takes about two weeks to receive the box. It is best to come to our office and fill out the order form. You will need to visit with Ron Kunda, Fire Marshal, on the best location for the box on a building. Office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. at 1020 E Central Av.

There is no burning in city limits. Debris and large trees and branches must be hauled out to the landfill or other dumping area. Burning outside the city limits must be directed to the Rural Fire Department at (701) 258-5792 and the State Health Department at (701) 328-5188.

Exit drills from the home are one of the most important things you can teach your children to do in the event your smoke or carbon monoxide detector alarms. Plan at least two ways out of your home, including windows, then practice it. If you have a window high above the ground purchase a window ladder for that room. Plan for everyone to meet in one spot to make sure everyone is out. Never go back into the house if there is a fire. If you can’t get out, close the door and seal the bottom with a towel or sheet. Open the window and hang something out to let the firefighters know you are inside the room. Never hide and stay low to the floor.

We recommend that you have at least a 2A10BC extinguisher in your home. It should be mounted close to an exit out of your home between four inches and five feet off the floor. Be sure to read the directions on how to use the extinguisher and ask if you have any questions on its operation. Never try to fight the fire by yourself. Call 911 first and get out of the house if you think the fire is too large for you to extinguish.

Firefighters do a variety of things throughout the day. Our primary responsibility is to save lives and protect property. We respond to fires, medical emergencies, and accidents. To keep our skills current in firefighting, medical emergencies, hazardous materials, confined space, and technical rescue we train regularly. In addition, we also do prevention activities such as life safety inspections for businesses and public education activities such as visiting schools and doing fire extinguisher training for the public. Of course we also work to keep our equipment clean and in good working order at all times.

Within the incorporated limits of the City of Bismarck, the ISO Public Protection Classification is 2.

The rating scale is 1-10, with a rating of 1 being the best achievable rating. The rating is based on the capability of the community's fire department equipment, training, and staffing, as well as its water supply infrastructure and 911 operations. The rating is one factor many insurance companies use to determine property insurance premium rates.

Of the communities in the US rated by ISO, less than 2% have a rating of 2 or less. See the website at ISO for more information on the Public Protection Classification (PPC) program. ISO Website

A permit is required for all new fire sprinkler systems and systems that have an addition or modification of twenty or more heads. The permit application can be downloaded from this website and completed. Once the application is completed it can be sent by email simply by clicking on the button on the form. Additional information that is required with the application can also be attached and sent as a PDF. Once the application is received with all the required information, it is reviewed before the permit is issued. Permit payment can be by check or we can direct bill your company. Once the permit is approved you will be notified by email. Testing requirements follow the NFPA 13 Installation of Sprinkler Systems. Contact the Fire Marshal at (701) 355-1400 to set up a time to have the system tested. Read on

Yes. The installer is required to take out a fire suppression hood permit and submit a detailed diagram with supporting documentation. Fees are based on the cost of the system. An online permit application will be available shortly. During the interim, please contact (701) 355-1400 for more information on fees and the permit.

Once the installation is complete, the installer is required to contact Ron Kunda, Fire Marshal, for an appointment to complete an acceptance test for the system before it can be used by the facility.Read On

All the firefighters have a great working knowledge of the streets and homes in Bismarck but we still need help. The fire code requires that all buildings have the address posted on the front of the business or home. The numbers need to be readily visible from the street in a contrasting color from the building. In addition, the numbers must be at least four inches high.

GIS

A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computer system for capturing, storing, checking, integrating, manipulating, analyzing, and displaying data related to positions on the Earth's surface. Typically, a GIS is used for handling maps of one kind or another. These might be represented as several different layers where each layer holds data about a particular kind of feature. Each feature is linked to a position on the graphical image on a map and a record in an attribute table.

No. A position must be available and advertised by the City before applications will be accepted. It is always recommended that job seekers watch for available jobs where and when we post or advertise.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover for payments of fines and payments on traffic and other non-criminal offenses. We also accept cash, checks, and money orders. When posting bond to get someone out of jail, you must pay in cash.

Assessment of points and suspension of driving privileges are administrative actions taken by the Drivers License & Traffic Safety Division of the North Dakota Department of Transportation at (701) 328-2600. Contact your home state if you are a resident of or licensed by another state. DOT Website

Section 39.08.09 of the NDCC requires that persons involved in a motor vehicle crash resulting in the death or injury to any person or property damage to an apparent extent of at least $1,000 shall report the crash to the local police department when the crash occurs within a municipality.

For reporting tips on a Cold Case if you want to talk to the Detective in charge of the Cold Case Files you can call 701-355-1902, or you can call our Tips number at 701-224-8477 if you would like to remain anonymous.

A suspect becomes a known suspect when you or someone else knows the person or where to find the person who committed the crime. This includes the license plate number of the vehicle the suspect or suspects were in.

Public Health

Children: Measles vaccine is included in the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) and MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, varicella) vaccines. The first dose of this vaccine is routinely given at 12 months of age, with a second dose at 4 – 6 years of age. If it has not already been done, the second dose is often given when the child starts kindergarten. It is one of the required immunizations for school in North Dakota. Therefore, unless your child is behind on the immunization schedule or you have declined to immunize your child, children in school are generally protected.

Adults born in 1957 or later: To be certain they are protected, adults in this age group should have a record of vaccination. Some early vaccinations may have contained only the measles vaccine, and may not have been the MMR combination. Those attending college or other secondary educational institutions, persons who work in medical facilities, and international travelers should receive two doses of MMR. Measles vaccination is 95%-98% effective after one dose. Adults who have had only one dose may choose to have a second dose.

Adults born before 1957: In general, adults born before 1957 are likely to have had or been exposed to measles during childhood and so are typically presumed to be immune. Those born prior to 1957 are not routinely recommended to receive booster doses of MMR vaccine.

Public Works

If your new address is outside of Bismarck city limits, please contact South Central Water Users at (701) 258-8710

The Water Billing office will need a Residential Property Service Agreement form filled out. Stop in the office at 601 S 26th St, or click on the link below to print out the form and return to the Water Billing office by mail (PO Box 5555), by fax (701 221-6840) or in person (601 S 26th St).

These forms must be received in the office prior to the day you want services put into your name. The effective date on Service Agreements CANNOT be a weekend or holiday.

The Water Billing office will need a Commercial Property Service Agreement form filled out. Stop in the office at 601 S 26th St, or click on the link below to print out the form and return to the Water Billing office by mail (PO Box 5555), by fax (701 221-6840) or in person (601 S 26th St).

These forms must be received in the office prior to the day you want services put into your name. The effective date on Service Agreements CANNOT be a weekend or holiday.

Water usage is measured by consumption units. One consumption unit 100 cubic feet, which is the same as 748.5 gallons. A container five feet long by five feet wide and four feet high holds one consumption unit.

1) More people may be living in the household.2) During the summer, water consumption may be higher due to outside watering of a lawn or garden, or an outside faucet may be left on.3) Most often an unexplained increase in usage is caused by leaky plumbing - toilets, sinks, outside sprinklers, washers, hot water heaters, etc.

Toilet leaks are the most common and are hard to see or hear. A leaky toilet can waste 800 cubic feet of water per day.

Never underestimate the amount of water that is consumed for normal, everyday tasks around the home. Here are some average water consumption amounts for routine household tasks:

Trash collection is once a week for Bismarck residents. Collection day is based on the area of town you live in. All materials for collection must be placed within 3 feet of the curb or alley, whichever is your collection point, before 8:00 AM on your scheduled day of collection.Map of Garbage Collection Areas

All materials for collection must be placed within three feet of the curb or alley, whichever is your collection point, before 8:00 am on your scheduled day of collection.

All garbage must be bagged and tied. If cans are used, everything inside the can must be bagged. Garbage cans must be commercially manufactured and no larger than 35 gallons with lids fastened to the can.

Tree branches must be bundled and tied and shorter than four feet in length. Ashes must be in a box, not in a trash can. Only items that one person can lift will be accepted. Dumpsters must be free of ice and snow and must not be blocked by cars or other items.

Items that will not be picked up except during spring or fall clean-up include:

These containers are required to stay at a property if the property is sold.

The container must be set out by 8:00am on your normal scheduled pick up day to be dumped. Trucks will not be rerouted for late placements

Garbage must be placed in bags before placed into the container.

Garbage should not be "packed" into the container. The contents must fall freely when it is dumped.

Animal waste must be placed in closed plastic bags before being placed into the container.

Ashes must be cooled and placed in a cardboard box three feet away from the container.

City issued waste containers must be free of snow and ice and not blocked by parked cars or other items.

The handle of the container must face the house.

The container should be placed on the white paint mark on your driveway or as close to that point as possible.

Any extra garbage must be placed 3 feet away from the city issued container and light enough for one man to lift.

Grass trimmings are not allowed in the container. Grass trimmings must be bagged and set out by 8:00am, at least three feet away from your new garbage container on your curb. A separate truck will collect it on the same day as your garbage collection. Please use the neighborhood drop off grass and leaf collection sites. It is voluntary at this time, however, you are encouraged to use the sites whenever possible.

Branches are not allowed in the container. Branches must be bundled and tied and shorter than 4 ft. in length and set out by 8:00am at least three feet away from your new garbage container on your curb.

Public Works - Forestry

Yes! A permit is required before planting street trees. There is no charge for a permit. A forester will come to the site and mark the available planting spot(s) with a dot of white paint on the edge of the curb. They will provide you with a permit and recommended tree species, along with information on tree planting and tree care. The forester will also provide you with information on the Partners In Planting Program. Call (701)355-1733 for an appointment or fill out the online form.

Volunteers are an essential part of planting and caring for trees in communities. Now there is a quick and easy way to find opportunities to help out near where you live. The arbordaynow.org Volunteer Center is a fast-growing part of the Arbor Day Foundation website that matches volunteers and local needs. More information...

A permit to plant a street tree is required by City Ordinance. The forestry division regulates the planting of street trees for several reasons, including:

Location: The location for planting individual trees along the street right-of-way is selected by the forestry staff to ensure that the tree(s) will not interfere with water lines, utility lines, traffic signals, site-distance at intersections and other trees.

Species: Only species approved by the city forester may be planted along the street right-of-way. Only those trees listed on an individual permit may be planted at a given site. The forester considers the space available along with other factors such as proximity to neighboring trees and overhead wires to recommend trees that are best suited for each site. This will avoid problems with a tree species being planted that is too large or unsuited for the available space.

The forestry division has established a pruning cycle for street trees. At least once every 7 years the street trees will be pruned by the forestry division. Regular maintenance (like branches growing too low over the street, sidewalk, or driveway) that may be necessary between pruning rotations is the responsibility of the property owner. NOTE: A pruning/removal permit must be obtained from the forestry division before performing work on street trees. Permits are available at NO COST to the property owner.